Mailbag: Utilities unite against proposition

Citing concerns over potential loss of local control and obstruction of necessary infrastructure projects, Foothill Municipal Water District and Crescenta Valley Water District both passed resolutions to oppose Proposition 53, which will appear on the Nov. 8 statewide ballot. Proposition 53 would amend the California Constitution to require statewide voter approval of infrastructure projects financed through revenue bonds over $2 billion.

The measure empowers voters in distant areas to reject projects outside of their own communities. For example, if this law were in effect previously, voters in Northern and Central California would have been able to decide whether or not to construct Diamond Valley Lake located in Hemet. The lake is a water storage reservoir which helped ease impacts of the recent drought for Southern Californians.

The measure also contains no exemptions for emergencies or major disasters. That means in the event of a major disaster such as an earthquake or fire, local governments may have to wait as long as two years to get statewide voter approval to repair bridges, water recycling plants and other critical projects.

Foothill urges voters to read pros and cons of all ballot measures. The website of opponents of the measure is www.savelocalcontrol.com. The proponents’ website is www.stopblankchecks.com.

Richard Atwater

Foothill MWD Board President

La Cañada Flintridge